Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department With a great deal of road construction taking place in the area, it is important to drive safely when passing through. Often drivers can be detoured onto lesser traveled streets or thickly settled places. There can also be increased penalties for traffic violations in construction zones. I was asked to provide some information about this and remind drivers to proceed with caution in these areas. Speeding regulations are generally covered by Sections seventeen and eighteen of Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws. The penalties for violation are controlled under Chapter twenty. Generally, the minimum fine for speeding is $50 for the first ten miles over the speed limit. In addition to this fine, surcharges are added to this amount and earmarked for such places as the Head Injury Trust and Public Safety Training Funds. Also, the fines are increased by an additional $10 per mile for speeds more than the first ten miles per hour. For example, if traveling 50mph in a 30mph zone, the minimum fine applies up to 40mph, plus an additional $100 for the ten miles from 40 to 50. Several years ago, fines were authorized to be doubled in construction areas. This means, in reference to the example above (50mph in a 30pmh zone), the fines could be $300 (plus surcharges) if the violation occurs in a construction area. A "construction area" appears to be defined by Mass Law in 720CMR9.06. It offers guidelines in application to highways where "traffic signs are erected, or warning lights are displayed...to notify of the presence of men or equipment." This is general and broad, so numerous areas of work can apply. These can be places where accidents or injuries can take place, so the laws provide stiff penalties for speeding in these areas. The presence of heavy equipment and workers contributes to the hazards in the locations. It is important to control your speed and watch for things such as vehicles entering and exiting. |
Whether or not it is a construction zone, it is important to remember vehicles share the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, and others. The need to detour traffic onto various side streets naturally increases the volume of cars in construction areas. Drivers may be unfamiliar with certain roads. When this is combined with excessive speed, it complicates matters. People who live in those areas are generally not expecting fast traveling or large amounts of vehicles. Drivers must remember to watch their speed and drive defensively. By combining cautious driving with the proper use of the roads by the public, we can reduce the chances of accidents and injuries.
For those still seeking vaccination information, it can be found at www.dudleyma.gov or by calling 508-949-8036. Please continue moving forward with the “re-opening” of our state in a reasonable manner. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. During these challenging times, we, at the Dudley Police Department, greatly appreciate the support we receive from our community. Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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